If you find a specific home and feel that it may have structural issues - here's a strategy I've recently used. I hired a structural engineer do the home inspection instead of a typical home inspector. This will cost more money for the inspection, but can save time and money in the long run since you don't have to pay for the home inspection and later a structural engineer's inspection. I've recently used Bruce Raymond of Raymond Engineering, 919-942-7000. Inspection prices vary based on size and age of home. Good luck!

I'm a realtor and also a resident of Parkwood, so I definitely have experience in this topic. The problems you're referring to are generally caused by differential soil settlement (think Leaning Tower of Pisa). Differential or uneven settlement can occur if the loads on the structure are unevenly distrbuted, if there are variations in the soil properties or due to construction related variations.Homes in Parkwood are typically built on mortar piers with support beams attached to exterior bands, which is a very reliable and stable construction method. The problem is that in all of Durham, particularly the southern areas, there is the variation in soil properties, which causes uneven settlement.

Since Parkwood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the area, you see a good deal of the problems in a more advanced stage here. The problems are fixable -- and their severity determines the fix and therefore the price of the repair. Rest assured, however, that not all homes do suffer from the settlement issue, and since the age range of the homes is from the early sixties through the eighties, there's a good chance that the "newer" homes will show less issues. Luckily, my home has not shown any settlement issues!

If you do decide to make an offer on a Parkwood home, be sure to hire a home inspector who is well-versed in noting structural issues. If any are suspected, hire a good structural engineer to help with identification of issues and to suggest the necessary repairs. As part of the NC Standard Offer to Purchase agreement, you have the right to request any repairs indicated by a licensed inspector and to walk away with your earnest money if such repairs are not performed. If structural repairs are indeed indicated, be sure that the home sellers use a company that provides a good structural warranty that you can pass along to any future buyers.

If you would like any other information, or have any questions about buying a home in the area, please get in touch. I'd be happy to help!

High water table!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, hardly anyone has anything but crawlspaces here, maybe 5% of homes in Durham have basements. The area you are asking about has a high water table that will only get worse as we get heavier more infrequent rains.

They are all crawl space homes, which seem to be the prevailling building method. We're talking Parkwood south of I 40 and those areas just north of that above I40.

Hi Joyce
That Zipcode covers a big area and I am not aware of any issues in general for your finds. I do live near that zipcode where it meets Research Triangle Park and have sold a lot of homes in Hope Valley which is in 27713 with no foundation issues. Are the homes that you know of with issues concrete slab or crawl space homes? My recomendation is always have a home inspection and make your offer contingent on one with a dollar amount for repairs. If I can be of any help let me know.
Michael